Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes at the 100Club London - 18 Dec 2009

Last HHs gig in 2009 and the last gig for Elio with Hogan's Heroes before he left the band. Due to bad weather conditions (heavy snow storm over here) my flight was cancelled, and I unfortunately had to miss this gig    :-(

Elio Pace leaving Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes

We've been knowing this already for quite a while but as it hadn't been announced officially, there was no way to post it earlier. Here's Elio's official statement (www.eliopace.com): Although I'm a bit sad I'm wishing Elio every success and hope to see him touring Germany one day and was flattered that he asked me for assistance on his project "Conquering Germany" (even if I contributed only bits and pieces). Me, Jilly and lots of other friends will be at 100Club tomorrow at Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes last gig of this year - which will also be Elio's farewell gig with this brilliant band.


December 11th 2009
"At the beginning of this year and with the release of my debut album coming up, I made a decision to devote all of my professional time to my own music from hereon in. And when I informed Albert Lee in June that the gig at the 100 Club in London, on December 18th would be my last with him and Hogan's Heroes, it was with the very intention that I was going to concentrate on my band, my tours and my music.

But when Sir Terry Wogan specifically asked me if I would like to be his Musical Director and my band be his House Band for his forthcoming new radio show in 2010, there was no way I was going to turn down that sort of incredible, once-in-a-lifetime offer.

And so, this morning Terry announced the news to the nation on 'Wake Up To Wogan'. It is the biggest honour to have been asked and a duty that I can't wait to fulfill.

And yes, December 18th is not only significant because it will be Terry Wogan's last ever breakfast show but also that same evening will be my last gig with the great Albert Lee and his band, Hogan's Heroes." 

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, Boom Boom Club Sutton - 17 Dec 2009

Boom Boom Club Sutton - Sutton FC

Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, acc, voc
Wayne Lee guesting on keyboards for the encore


2009 was the first year I had to miss out the traditional pre-Christmas gig at the Boom Boom Club Sutton due to a tight time table. However, my good friend and music buddy Sarah Flude/Williams was able to attend and sent me her photos, very much appreciated. Sarah said: "Albert Lee and Hogan's Heroes were AWESOME last night." Wayne Lee joined on piano to do the encore with the band ! Here's to another gig at the Boom Boom - hopefully next year.

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, The Backroom at McGrory's of Culdaff - 12 Dec 2009

Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, acc, voc

Mc Grory's, Culdaff - 12 Dec 09 - brief review:

What a nice place, Mc Grory's. Another warm welcome by the receptionist, felt home immediately. That was definitely worth the long drive up there. Hogan's Heroes had played this venue earlier but it was the visit for me. 

The gig took place in the backroom and in the beginning it wasn't very busy. Fortunately that changed quickly ! I sat next to two guys who turned out to be father and son. The father told me that his son Daniel started playing the guitar and persuaded him to go to this gig. His father had never seen the band before and said after the first few songs that this was already worth every penny! To top it all for Daniel, Albert signed his CD later and the boy left happily.

The band did their usual set, apart from the encore which was changed. They left the Elvis song "Don't" and did "Santa Claus is back in town" (by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller) instead, a very bluesy version, just superb. The last song was - on special request - "Rock around with Ollie Vee" which was played in raving speed and brought the house down.
Thumbs up for Peter who did an outstanding version of "Oh Darling" despite his bad 'flu ! The J.D. Souther Song "You're only lonely" with Albert on acoustic guitar was received with great applause. As my seat neighbour told me, J.D. Souther had played that venue 2 years ago.

The boys had lots to sign later, many questions were asked, photos were taken - the last Irish gig in 2009 turned out to be the best one ! My way back to Dublin next morning was quite some adventure due to thick fog!


Setlist  (not always in the right order and probably not quite complete)
Set 1
Your Boys
Two Step Too
Runaway Train
Wheels
Tiger Rag 
Travellin' Prayer
You're only lonely
Breathless
 
Set 2
Barnyard Boogie
Rad Gumbo
Wake up Screaming
Can your grandpa rock'n roll like this
On the verge
You maybe right
Oh Darling
Crying in the rain
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy

Encore:
Don't   Santa Claus is back in town
Tear it up   Rock around with Ollie Vee

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes at TLT Theatre, Drogheda, Eire - 11 Dec 2009

Drogheda, 11 Dec 2009

Bildunterschrift hinzufügen

The TLT theatre was not easy to find, but thanks to Thomasina of the theatre staff I finally found my way. A warm welcome for everybody at the entrance by Tommy, who addressed me in Irish which of course I didn't understand. But enjoyed the chat! I was lucky to have front row in a beautiful theatre, however inside it was very cold. Treated me with a guinness to warm up until it was time to take my seat. The fantastic keyboard player Gavin Povey & wife were in the audience, I learned later that he agreed that very night to join the band after Elio left. Lots of other musicians in the crowd who enjoyed the bands' great performance. Albert looked cool in his black frock with white shirt, unfortunately most of my photos came out too dark to reflect this. For the band it was a new venue and James the sound engineer said he enjoyed working here because of its excellent technical equipment which enabled a fantastic sound.

Later the boys hang out and signed CDs and other stuff for the queuing fans and posed patiently for photos. Albert signed me a current Rhythm Kings Programme. Having a good time with drinks and chats later. The downside was my icecold hotel room where the heating wouldn't work despite all efforts, the staff were fair enough to give me a reduction on check-out. A long way to go towards Culdaff next day.


Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, acc, voc

Setlist  (not always in the right order and probably not quite complete)
Set 1
Your Boys
Two Step Too
Runaway Train
Wheels
Tiger Rag 
Travellin' Prayer
You're only lonely
Breathless
 
Set 2
Barnyard Boogie
Rad Gumbo
Wake up Screaming
Can your grandpa rock'n roll like this
On the verge
You maybe right
Oh Darling
Crying in the rain
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy

Encore:
Don't
Tear it Up

Waterford by day and night - 09 + 10 Dec 2009

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, The Forum Waterford

My review:
Having finished the Rhythm Kings Tour, Albert went straight over to Ireland after a very short break to play a string of gigs with Hogan's Heroes. It was so good to see them all again in great shape, I felt like coming home! The Waterford gig was one of the re-scheduled gigs due to Albert's appendicitis earlier this year. Forum Waterford is a great place for live music, and when I arrived the place was almost packed. Sue and the nice venue manager took care of me and arranged for a stool. Hogan's Heroes were supported by Brendan Keane, a singer/songwriter from County Wexford, in South East Ireland. He played acoustic stuff along with some jokes but in fact I was waiting for my favourite band to take to the stage. They played their usual set, but it was good to hear the great tunes again after a long time. Frenetic applause and standing ovations at the end - no one left disappointed. Poor photos only, due to an old camera and lack of lighting.


Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, acc, voc

Setlist  (not always in the right order and probably not complete)
Set 1
Your Boys
Two Step Too
Runaway Train
Wheels
Tiger Rag 
Travellin' Prayer
You're only lonely
Breathless
Set 2
Barnyard Boogie
Rad Gumbo
What am I gonna do with you  (PB on vocals)
Can your grandpa rock'n roll like this
On the verge
You maybe right
Oh Darling
Crying in the rain
Leave my woman alone
Till I gain control again
Country Boy
Encore:
Don't
Tear it up

 

Waterford Forum says:
"When the great book of rock music is finally written, the name Albert Lee will be found under the category 'Guitar Greats'. Lee's contribution to the world of popular music - incorporating many different genres - is immeasurable.
Make no mistake, he's the real deal and for any discerning guitar fan this gig is a must. Amongst the many accolades bestowed on Albert Lee are: A Gold Badge Award from B.A.S.C.A. (The British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and AuthorA Lifetime Achievement Award from B.C.M.A. (British Country Music Association), A Grammy Award in 2002 and, he's been voted ‘Worlds Best Guitar Player’ an incredible five times by readers of Guitar Player Magazine.
The musicians, singers and bands which Albert Lee has recorded/toured with include some of the most celebrated names in the world such as: Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Jeff Lynn, Glen Campbell, Jackson Browne, Joan Armatrading, Cliff Richard, Joe Coker, Emmylou Harris, Linda Rondstadt, The Everly Brothers, Willie Nelson and many, many more...Albert is also co-vocalist, lead guitarist with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings.
As you would expect, Hogan's Heroes, Lee's touring band, features four of the UK's top session players who's CV's read like a who's who of pop/rock music. Between them these guys have workd with: George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Alison Moyet, B.B. King, Dexy's Midnight Runners, Wet,Wet,Wet, Pulp, The Beautiful South, The Proclaimers, Kenny Rodgers, Paul Young, and Will Young, to name but a few!
Affectionately referred to within the music industry as ‘Mr. Guitar Hero’ Albert Lee has headlined at all major guitar festivals around the globe.
On Wednesday, 9 December 2009 the great Albert Lee with his full band will play the Forum, Waterford and what a wonderful opportunity this is for Waterford music lovers to see and hear a true legend of the music industry up close and personal."

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes at The Bridgehouse, Tullamore - NOT !!

The Bridgehouse Hotel Tullamore
Wonderful hotel and leisure centre, could have been a great gig there ..... but "cancelled at short notice by venue management"  - here you go !

Tullamore, home of Tullamore Dew
The town's most famous export is Tullamore Dew - an Irish whiskey previously distilled by Tullamore Distillery - that can be traced back to 1829. The distillery closed in the 1950s but its traces are still visible in the town. Tullamore Dew is now produced by Irish Distillers in Midleton, County Cork, and marketed by Cantrell & Cochrane.

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings - Double gig at The Stables, Wavendon - 06 Dec 2009

Last gig of the "Best of ..... live 2009"  tour - double-show in Milton Keynes, what a treat at the end of the tour.
 
Line-up: Bill Wyman, Terry Taylor, Graham Broad, Albert Lee, Georgie Fame, Geraint Watkins, Beverley Skeete, Frank Mead, Nick Payn and special guest Gary US Bonds.

Photos not allowed so here's just my review and 2 snapshots.
The Stables shows were a complete sell-out as usual. I had 2nd row for both shows which was great and close to the stage. The afternoon show was a bit shorter than usual as they had to follow a strict time-table. Nevertheless it was great and everybody enjoyed it to the full. Due to lack of sleep I had problems to keep my eyes open and was running danger to fall asleep during "Johnny B Goode" but the horns woke me up. Albert had changed guitars and played a blue one as his regular guitar was already on its way to Ireland where Hogan's Heroes were to play some gigs the following week.

Between the shows there was a break, and we treated us with our favourite drink and a mouthful until it was time to get ready for the night show. Bill held a short speech and said he was a bit sad as this was the 33rd show and the end of the tour. Georgie Fame fooled around with the lyrics of "Just for a thrill" and sang instead "If not for Bill ....". When "Honky Tonk Women" was one, Nick came onstage wearing a Mick Jagger mask wiggling around, perfectly imitating Mick!

Later we said bye-bye and wished Happy Christmas. I had some words especially with Graham Broad, Georgie Fame, Nick, Geraint, waved Frank and wife bye-bye. Surprise, former crew boss Dave South showed up and was immediately surrounded by his mates. We gave him a big hug and hope to see him again on the next tour.

Everybody left with one laughing and one crying eye - but not for long as the next tour is already on the horizon.

For me the travels continued as I went straight over to Ireland to catch a string of Hogan's Heroes gigs.

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, De Monfort Hall Leicester - 05 Dec 2009

Leicester, De Monfort Hall, 05 Dec 2009

Line-up:
Bill Wyman,
Terry Taylor,
Graham Broad,
Albert Lee,
Georgie Fame,
Geraint Watkins,
Beverley Skeete,
Frank Mead,
Nick Payn

Special guest:
Gary US Bonds


My review:

Our 2nd visit to this venue on a rainy day, what else can you expect? A centre front row seat guaranteed an excellent view although the stage was very high. Security people were really hot on cameras - no photos could be taken during the show, just a couple of quick shots at the end. No changes to the setlist, the Rhythm Kings delivered a fantastic show as usual. When Terry hit the first chords of  "Honky Tonk Women" and Bill started to sing, somebody with a Mick Jagger mask (huge mouth and tyre-like lips) came onstage and fooled around behind Bill's back. He did the typical Mick moves - and we discovered that it was Nick Payn ! Bill looked puzzled as he couldn't figure out why people were laughing so hard, but eventually noticed what was going on. I would have given an arm and a leg for a photo, but security kept an eye on everybody who tried to snap. What a great night out.

A real turn-off was our hotel, however, where we experienced some strange encunters and a very unfriendly staff - the less said the better. We were happy to quickly check out next morning - and off to Milton Keynes to see a double performance at The Stables.


Gary U.S. Bonds Joins Rhythm Kings UK Tour
American R&B Blues music legend Gary U.S. Bonds is to join Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings as a Special Guest on the 2009 UK tour, starting October 28 and running until December 6. Hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as a singer "with a unique and expressive voice", Gary is an honouree of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, and was nominated for the Country Music Association's Songwriter of the Year.

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, St Alban Arena - 04 Dec 2009

St Alban Arena

Line-up: 
Bill Wyman, bass, voc
Terry Taylor, git, voc
Graham Broad,  dr
Albert Lee, git, key, voc
Georgie Fame, hammond organ, voc
Geraint Watkins, key,, voc, acc
Beverley Skeete, voc,, perc.
Frank Mead, sax, flute, perc
Nick Payn, sax flute, perc

Special guest:
Gary US Bonds, voc

Gary says: "Two legends of rock 'n' roll join forces for a 32-date U.K. Tour when Gary joins Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings. As we all know, Bill Wyman was bassist for the Rolling Stones for over 30 years. "

Rock and roll icon, author, restaurateur - legendary former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman has seen it all and continues to live life to the full. His latest musical rebirth as the driving force behind the fabulous Rhythm Kings sees him return to his musical roots. This set of virtuoso musicians superbly bring back to life the kind of classic rhythm and blues that first inspired Wyman to pick up the guitar as a teenager. A show imbued with absolute quality. The Rhythm Kings will be joined by very special guest Garby US Bonds.

Unfortunately FlickR messed up many of my photo albums during their recent updates. Some got lost as this one. Much effort required to restore them  - at least parts of -  and try to put them in the right order again. Really annoying, as these are sort of diaries to keep the great memories. I do wonder what I'm paying for?
My own review of St Albans gig got lost as well, so I posted some remarks by Gary and Bill's website.

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Dorking Halls - 03 Dec 2009 and some Sightseeing in Dorking

Line-up: 
Bill Wyman, bass, voc
Terry Taylor, git, voc
Graham Broad,  dr
Albert Lee, git, key, voc
Georgie Fame, hammond organ, voc
Geraint Watkins, key,, voc, acc
Beverley Skeete, voc,, perc.
Frank Mead, sax, flute, perc
Nick Payn, sax flute, perc

Special guest:
Gary US Bonds, voc


My brief review
Dorking Halls, 3rd Dec 2009
Again pouring all day. We made our way down to Dorking and went to the venue in the afternoon to collect our tickets. Some shopping and sightseeing on our way back. A haunted old cemetary which you can only find in the UK, I was able to take a couple of photos of old washed-out gravestones. Then a warm-up in a cafe close-by where we enjoyed hot chocolate.

After a short rest, off to the venue on time. Meeting up with Jilly, we all had front row seats this time, hurrah. Also nice to see Jill again and Stephen from London. Unfortunately photos strictly forbidden which was controlled by the eagle's eyes of the very tight security. The Rhythm Kings were as brilliant as usual, a lot of laughter and fun going on. Albert looked very cool in his black and white outfit, and Bill wore the Rhythm Kings T-Shirt again. During the interval Gary US Bonds was busy signing CDs and other stuff in the foyer. I enjoyed a brief chat with him and noticed that his daughter Laurie Anderson took photos of her dad while dealing with his fans.

The second set hadn't changed, either. Albert and Beverley were great doing the Everly-tune "Crying in the rain".

Bev put one of her spells on me this time, thank you! The set list was pretty much the same as the night before. Jilly could take a wonderful photo at the end which she gave me as belated B'day prezzie. After the final bow, Albert gave a guitar pick to the disabled boy who sat next to us, and Gary US Bonds shook his hands, nice gestures ! The lovely crew supplied us with the set lists, and Jilly was lucky to get Georgie Fame's autograph later and enjoyed a chat with him. Handshakes with Bill, a joke with Geraint, and then they boarded their bus and went off. For us it wasn't over, we went back to our hotel looking forward to the next gig in St Albans.

Review for Barnstaple Show on November 28, 2009

Rhythm Kings UK tour 2009 reviews
published Sunday 10th January 2010
von Bill's Webseite

Philip Dalling (This Is North Devon November 2009) said: “There’s nothing like the real thing, is there? It's a question I am confident the capacity audience shoehorned into the Queen's Theatre [Barnstaple] for one of the musical events of the year will join me in answering with a resounding affirmative.

“After a so-so menu of mostly tribute shows in recent months, for once a truly festive bill of fare was on offer. Following an often dreary diet of thin imitative gruel, here was a chance to gorge on a rich feast of Chicago blues, cajun, jazz, rock 'n' roll and classic rhythm and blues, flavoured with just a hint of the more credible regions of country music.

“Bill Wyman himself, laid-back and rooted to centre stage behind the trademark shades, was almost an honorary member of the audience, given his so-obvious enjoyment of spending an evening full of his favourite music, surrounded by some of his favourite musicians. The major difference between the Rhythm Kings' show and any average group of friends of a certain age, gathering in someone's living room to jam the night away on the music of their youth, is the fact that these people are world-class musicians rather than just-for-fun strummers.

“I'm not going to go down the road of awarding marks to individual performers. Whatever set of hugely disparate artists Wyman puts together on the road invariably gels into a tight unit, with superb musicianship, inspiring vocals and an often wry humour.

“Obviously, I had my favourite moments, and as a long-term fan of Albert Lee I would plump for his amazing rapid-fire guitar playing on the Gene Vincent classic Race with the Devil. Eric Clapton, no slouch himself, rates Lee the best guitarist in the world. I have to break my rule too and salute the only female artist on stage, Beverly Skeete, whose powerful voice effortlessly made the transition from soul to blues to close harmony country/pop.

“Back in the early sixties, the hit parade was dominated by teen idol vocalists and ageing trad jazzers in striped waistcoats. It was briefly enlivened for the few surviving rockers by the New Orleans-flavoured rock 'n' roll of US Bonds, as he was called before the authorities in the States insisted he add Gary to his title, to avoid the impression that he was selling the transatlantic version of national savings certificates.

“Bonds really pushed back the years and blended effortlessly into the whole feel of the evening, doing two individual sets and having the entire house on its feet for the finale.

“Bill Wyman sussed out early in the proceedings that the audience was split roughly half and half between those who had seen the band before and newcomers. It's a fair bet that the newcomers will be back next time the Rhythm Kings are in town. Hopefully, I'll be there too.”

Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders, Half Moon Putney - 15 Nov 2009

Andy Fairweather Low & Low Riders, Half Moon Putney - 15 Nov 2009

... und ein besonderer Geburtstag !
Den habe ich im Halfmoon Putney gefeiert mit einem Andy Fairweather Low gig, da die Rhythm Kings an diesem Tage frei hatten. Wir beschlossen daher, Andy zu sehen, der mit seinen Low Riders in London spielte, war sich als eine gute Idee herausstellte. Haben mit ihm, Dave Bronze und Paul Beavis nach der Show gesprochen, Autogramme bekommen usw.


Brief Review:

15 November 2009

Rhythm Kings had a day off. We knew that Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders played the Half Moon on Saturday and decided to see this great band again. The gig was a complete sell-out but Kirk the promoter got us in, even early enough to make it almost to the front.

4-piece band: Andy, Dave Bronze (b), Paul Beavis (dr), and fantastic horn player Nick Pentelow.

No hammond organ, no Richard Dunn this time. The gig was fantastic, the audience kept asking for "Bend me shape me ", and Andy said  "Patience, it will be a long night ...". They didn't exactly stick to their set list, some songs were left out or played in a different order. After show, I had my DVD signed by Dave Bronze and Paul, some small talk, and finally queuing at Andy's table. Andy seemed to be happy to see us again, completed my DVD and additionally signed my new Rhythm Kings CD which features him. Believe it or not he had never seen it before and had a quick look at the booklet inside.
Then a big hug & kiss and see you next year in Germany. What a great night with good music, and I couldn't think of a better way to spend my birthday !

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Salisbury City Hall - 08 Nov 2009

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings on an extensive UK tour in Oct/ Nov/Dec 2009   -  "Best of ..... live 2009".

My brief review:
The Salisbury show was excellent. A better seat this time but photos were not allowed. I managed to take some quick shots but the quality leaves to be desired. Bill modelled the new Rhythm Kings T-Shirt - looking good according to Beverley  ;)
Gary US Bonds turned out to be an excellent addition to the band doing some of his own stuff and also a ballad from the great Otis Redding "I got dreams" which is simply beautiful and caused goose bumps. Set lists are included in the FlickR photo album (to get there just click on the above picture).

A downer for me was that I had to go home already next day while the band carried on to Wales. Brief chats with some of the band members after show, Terry Taylor signed me the tour programme and Geraint kindly signed me his CD "Watkins in a bad mood".

I was still fighting my cold, and our damp hotel room with leaking windows and unheated bathroom didn't help. Freezing to death I went to bed with stockings, glad to leave that terrible place behind early next morning.


Line-up: 
Bill Wyman, bass, voc
Terry Taylor, git, voc
Graham Broad,  dr
Albert Lee, git, key, voc
Georgie Fame, hammond organ, voc
Geraint Watkins, key,, voc, acc
Beverley Skeete, voc,, perc.
Frank Mead, sax, flute, perc
Nick Payn, sax flute, perc

Special guest:
Gary US Bonds, voc

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Corn Exchange Cambridge - 31 Oct 2009

The Corn Exchange Cambridge

My blurbs:   

My 2nd gig in Cambridge. As last time, it was a pain to get there. Thanks to Cambridge's one-way system leading us into the middle of nowhere we were late and missed the first two songs. Again poor seats, worst of all were the uncomfortable chairs and flat stalls where I had tall people in front of me, so again no photos, just a few poor shots for the records! The set list was pretty much the same as in High Wycombe. A brilliant show, early start, early end. Gary US Bonds turned out to be a nice addition to the band.

As they drove back to London that night, we saw them to their bus, swapped the latest news and waved bye-bye. After this miserable day (apart from the excellent gig) we treated us with a good J.D. in the hotel bar and eventually called it a day.

Heavy wind and non-stopping rain over Cambridge next day which didn't help to get rid of my cold. Eventually, I made my way down to Stansted to catch my return flight to Berlin.

Line-up: Bill Wyman, Terry Taylor, Graham Broad, Albert Lee, Georgie Fame, Geraint Watkins, Beverley Skeete, Frank Mead, Nick Payn and special guest Gary US Bonds

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, The Swan High Wycombe - 30 Oct 2009

The Swan, High Wycombe
Line-up:
Bill Wyman
Terry Taylor, Graham Broad, Albert Lee, Georgie Fame, Geraint Watkins, Beverley Skeete, Frank Mead, Nick Payn
Special guest: Gary US Bonds

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings performed a huge UK tour in October, November and December 2009. My first gig of this tour was in High Wycombe, unfortunately a poor seat only and almost no photos due to the tight security. Gary US Bonds was a fine addition to the band and went down extremely well. To top it, we were invited backstage after the show to say hello to the band members and see them off to their bus later. A few more gigs were waiting before too long.

There was a new tour programme plus actual flyer available, and I included bits and pieces into the photo album on FlickR, also the setlist can be found in the album. To get there, please click on the photo.


My comment  to the setlist:
To my great disappointment, Albert's 'Jump Jive and Wail ' was left out and not replaced. Hadn't heard 'My Toot Toot'  live before, it's just great with Geraint on accordion and Georgie Fame's witty intro about the funny title  ....  Also, 'Tear it Up' was left out which I expected to hear at the end of the show. instead Gary US Bonds closed the show doing his 'New Orleans'.

"Helping the Heart of Music" and Faces-Reunion, Royal Albert Hall London - 25 Oct 2009

A VERY EXCLUSIVE GIG:  "Helping the Heart of Music" and Faces Reunion
A Unique Celebration: In Aid of the PRS for Music Members Benevolent Fund.
Not only was the event star-studded, Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings "extended version" acted as the houseband joined by Dave Bronze (bass), John Maul (keyboards), Matt Winch (trumpet), and Andy Caine/Gina Foster and Peter Howarth as backing vocals - and The FACES topped the bill (without Rod). At the end of the great show no one seemed to miss him. What a weekend, despite freezing cold, cough, wind and other obstacles I enjoyed it to the full.

Bits and Pieces: 

• Andy Fairweather Low played 'Wide Eyed and Legless' and the Amen Corner hit 'Paradise'.

• Honky Tonk Women ... was on the list and done in Bill's very own style - and Frank hit the cow bell! Bill introduced the song with the words: ".. and now one of these, yes, one of these..." - and laughed.

•  Someone said - and it reflects exactly what I experienced: "One thing that was particularly memorable for me was the reaction from the audience when the Faces were announced and they wandered onto the stage, the place literally transformed in character. Everyone, even right up in the gods at the top of the RAH, stood up, and there was this massive surge from the front of the stalls to front of stage."

Bill pointed out an article in the Glasgow Herald that summed up the story:
Seventies chart stars The Faces are to reform for a one-off show - without their front-man Rod Stewart. Guitarist Ronnie Wood - now a Rolling Stone - has long talked about a reunion for the band, whose hits include Stay With Me. Now he is teaming up with several former band-mates, plus a selection of guest vocalists, to play a charity show at London's Royal Albert Hall next month. The band evolved from the Small Faces when singer Steve Marriott left to form Humble Pie and Stewart stepped in. The band's one-night-only show on October 25 will aid the PRS for Music Members' Benevolent Fund, which helps musicians, song-writers and their families with financial struggles.

The fund has helped Katy Lane, the former wife of Faces star Ronnie Lane, who died of MS in 1997. He will be replaced for the show by ex-Rolling Stone Bill Wyman. Wood will be joined by former Faces members Kenny Jones and lan McLagan.
Wood said: 'This will be so special for us, staging a reunion for such a wonderful and prestigious event. Sadly Ronnie Lane can't be with us, but I'm sure he will be there in spirit, God bless him."

Neue CD: 'The Best of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings'

Produktinfo (from your global m.player)

Bill Wyman, der sicherlich den meisten Musikbegeisterten vor seinem 1993 vollzogenen Austritt bei den Rolling Stones ein Begriff ist, wartet hier mit seinem Best Of Album auf.

Mit seiner All-Star Band The Rhythm Kings hat er seitdem eine beachtliche Anzahl von R&B Alben veröffentlicht. Mit von der Partie bei den Rhythm Kings waren über diverse Jahre hinweg Groessen wie Gary Brooker, Georgie Fame, Albert Lee, Andy Fairweather Low, Terry Taylor, Chris Rea, Paul Carrack, Beverley Skeete & more. Das Line-Up variiert und so haben auch Stars wie Eric Clapton und Peter Frampton hier schon Gastspiele gegeben.

Diese Best Of enthaelt die heissesten Tracks der Alben ‘Struttin’ Our Stuff’, ‘Anyway The Wind Blows’, ‘Double Bill’, ‘Groovin’ und ‘Just For A Thrill’ und nicht nur ein echter Bill Wyman Fan muss sich diese Best Of in seine Sammlung stellen.

_________________________________________________________________



Monday 19th October 2009

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings have released a new 21-track album, including Green River and Tell You A Secret - and Bill has signed special collector slipcase editions available exclusively online.

Titled The Best of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, the 21 track compilation CD album is on sale now - and is a must for both fans and collectors alike. Remastered by the famed Jon Astley, it boasts suberb sound, and includes a 24-page CD booklet featuring an exclusive interview with Bill Wyman, full track details, complete with authoritative and extensive liner notes by the respected author and rock journalist Chris Welch.

When it comes to good time R&B, played by top class musicians, you can't beat the sound of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings. After Bill left the Rolling Stones in 1993, the bass player set about forming his own all-star band. As well as touring the world, The Rhythm Kings released a succession of fine albums, beginning with Struttin Our Stuff in 1997. For this, newly remastered compilation CD, the hottest tracks from this debut album have been selected, along with songs from subsequent albums Anyway The Wind Blows, Groovin', Double Bill, and Just For A Thrill.

Although the line up has varied, The Rhythm Kings have always featured a stellar line up of players over the years, notably keyboard players and vocalists Gary Brooker and Georgie Fame, guitarists Albert Lee, Andy Fairweather Low, Terry Taylor and Chris Rea, vocalist Paul Carrack and blues artist Beverley Skeete. Rock legends Mark Knopfler and Peter Frampton have also jammed on some Rhythm Kings recordings.

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Mezz Breda - 18 Oct 2009

The Venue

Featuring:
Bill Wyman - bass, voc.
Beverley Skeete - voc.
Terry Taylor - guitar, voc.
Nick Payn - sax, flute, harmonica, backgr voc.
Frank Mead - sax, harmonica, clarinet, perc.
Chris Stainton - keyboards
Graham Broad - drums, backgr voc.
Special guest:
Eddie Floyd, voc.

I couldm't  make it to the show but here's a brief comment by my friend Anja from Belgium:
"Hi Gudrun, the show from Bill Wyman was great last Friday, the audience was very good and Bill was in a very good mood. His special guest was Eddie Floyd and he knocked some wood.
Greets Anja"

Advert for the Breda Show

Preview:

EN - With his Rhythm Kings, the former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman plays a solid mixture of classics from the swing and jive periods, plus some true evergreens.

FR - Bill Wyman, ancien contrebassiste des Rolling Stones, et ses Rhythm Kings interprètent un pot-pourri composé de grands classiques de la période swing et jive ainsi que d’authentiques standards.

DE - Bill Wyman, der frühere Bassist von The Rolling Stones, und seine Rhythm Kings spielen eine handfeste Mischung aus Klassikern aus der Swing- und Jiveperiode sowie unverfälschte Evergreens.